So I’ve begun having the dreaded “trunk open” error while closing the convertible top. I can get the top to open all the way again by stopping/starting the ignition, but it won’t get past the deck cover going up while closing. The dealership can get it to close by doing a relearn, but that’s only temporary (done twice now), and they want to replace the $650+ top control module. They’re good people and were honest about having to throw parts at the problem when I asked, so I passed since I can do that myself.

A couple of questions about the obvious easy fixes. When folks have had a loose trunk latch, how loose was it? I can maybe get it to wiggle a bit, but it takes enough effort I can’t tell if it’s moving or just flexing. Also, is there an online source for the FSM or other instructions for accessing the latch? I didn’t turn up any in a search.

I checked the driver’s side wiring loom for the top. The webbing around the wires by the trunk hinge was a bit worn, but I couldn’t see any exposed wires. Are there other locations I should check that aren’t as obvious?

For checking codes and performing a relearn myself, what’s a good tool short of a Consult subscription? I have an Autel ML629 OBD tool and have been thinking about upgrading. Would something like the MK808 be able to read the top sensor codes and perform a relearn?

And finally, has replacing the top control module fixed an issue for anyone? I’ve seen plenty of examples of folks having that replaced then coming up with a solution down the line, but none where the trouble stops there. As keen as the dealership is to replace the part is it ever really the problem?

Thanks for any help offered, this forum has been a great resource over the three years I’ve had the G37!

 

I only was able to fix it by using Consult. It's about a $500 investment to get a vi and software from china. None of those obdIi devices will talk to the top or reset most bcm codes. I had bought one of the SVCI devices and it was worthless.

​​​​​​THe consult was the best money I have spent on this car. Once I got the top fixed I was able to also program new keys and eventually I think I can blow new code into the ecm at some point.

 

Dang, sorry to hear that. Any suggestions on what to buy? There's chicom devices all over the map that claim to be Consult III devices, and I'd hate to wait weeks the get one only to find I can't use it.

 

I bought mine from cnauto. I bought an SVCI unit and that was a waste of $100. It was only about half baked. With an actual vi I was even able to burn keys and totally control and repair the top

 

Yeah, the SVCI module got crossed off the list as too sketchy early on. I bit the bullet on one of the V75 Consult III+ units with a SATA drive this morning. Now I just have to figure out what I'm going to run it on that's cheap and at least halfway usable/reliable.

Thanks!

 

Luckily I had a panasonic toughbook that I wasn't using. Shoved the add in and it booted right up. I was using it within 20 minutes of fedex delivering it. I think you'll be happy you did it. After the frustration of the SVCI this was a great somewhat inexpensive solution to going to the dealer.

 

Any ideas on estimated shipping times from cnauto? Just curious as I will likely pull the trigger soon.

 

I got mine is less than 2 weeks. Your times may vary.. if you have an immediate need let me know. I'm not that far away from wilmington.

 

Thank you for the offer, but there is no need- immediate or otherwise. I'm just looking to add the tool to my arsensal.

Seriously, thank you again for the offer...

 

Hello n559br. I am very interested in getting the Consult III as it is the only solution if the top becomes inoperable when on the road, miles from a dealer. You said you got yours from cn auto and I can contact them and hopefully have them ship it to Canada. Would you happen to have a link to the correct unit? It would be greatly appreciated.

 

I had the same trunk open every time closing before the front of roof reached the windshield. Dealer said i needed a parcel shelf $3k, one day it would not crank and battery was replaced. Have not had a warning/problem with roof since. Spend money on a good battery, if it's on the edge of being bad replace it.

 

This is from my order.
​​​​​​​http://www.cnautotool.com/goods.php?id=1610

 

Thank you! So it plugs into the car obviously under the dash and also into a laptop from which you operate it? Really appreciate your help cause these are great cars but the roof thing is big glitch,
Nice to have the peace of mind that you can get the thing to work if it fails when travelling. I am going to order one.

 

This all started with a bad battery last fall. The new, larger group 24F, battery “should” be good, but as soon as the equipment comes in I’m going to run the top up and down with the OBD data logger I have and make sure there’s not a weird voltage drop.

 

It is pc based. The Vehicle Interface VI has the smarts to talk to all the computers on the car. The package I bought came with a disk drive. I just threw it into an old toughbook I had. I was able to diagnose the top within an hour. It has been the best thing I've got for this car.